The Crown Prince (2006): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2006, The Crown Prince is a drama, romance and history film directed by Robert Dornhelm, running about 180 minutes. “Rudolf - The true story of a royal rebel and his tragic love.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. A great Empire, once famous for its enlightened traditions, is taken over by a ruthless political establishment. Religious fundamentalists and national separatists are tearing at the fabric of its liberal society. Under the influence of his conservative advisors, the Emperor fails to initiate the reforms that could save the Empire from annihilation. One man alone can avert the cataclysm to come. The year is 1888 and the 600-year-old Empire of Austria-Hungary is at a cross-road of history. Crown-Prince Rudolf, son of fabled Empress Sisi, the most beautiful woman of her time, is the man with the vision and the ability to lead his Empire into the 20th century. Yet his enemies, the all-powerful Prime Minister first and foremost, scheme to isolate Rudolf from his father and from access to power. Against the backdrop of one of the most dangerous, exciting and colorful periods in history, at the dawn of the modern age...

Who’s in it. The Crown Prince stars Max von Thun as Kronprinz Rudolf, Vittoria Puccini as Mary Vetsera, Klaus Maria Brandauer as Kaiser Franz Joseph and Sandra Ceccarelli as Sissi, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.5/10, The Crown Prince has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Crown Prince page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Crown Prince tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.